DSWD to issue IDs to street dwellers for monitoring

Families living on the streets will soon get identification cards (IDs) so they can be better monitored, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Tina Panganiban-Perez, the street dwellers will also need to undergo a biometrics registration.

“Kung sakaling bumalik siya sa lansangan at na-reach out siya ulit at ma-check natin sa database na nandoon siya then malalaman natin na may problema ‘yung intervention. Maaari yung programang binigay natin ay di naaangkop para sa kanya,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

The initiative is part of the "Oplan Pag-abot" program launched by the departrment for individuals and families living on the streets of Metro Manila.

Under the program, the DSWD will talk with the target beneficiaries to know the assistance they need.  They will also be provided with food and medicine. The agency will also help them return to their provinces and get livelihood assistance. Children without families will be adopted or placed in the care of a guardian.

The program is being implemented with the Commission on Human Rights and the Metro Manila Council.

Gatchalian said the program will respect the rights of the street dwellers.  Getting them off the streets will not be forced.

"There's a proper way to convince somebody that it's not good for you to stay in the streets," Gatchalian added.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News